Degree/Work Experience Equivalency

I recently received a TN for a project I am working on. Previously, I have had a H1-B and TN. My TN is for a computer analyst and it was touch and go if I would get approved. The big sticking p...

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

Author Message

tmex
New Member

Joined: 17 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:29 pm

I recently received a TN for a project I am working on. Previously, I have had a H1-B and TN. My TN is for a computer analyst and it was touch and go if I would get approved. The big sticking point was my degree which is in Economics, but I have over 20 years of IT experience. But, of course that does not matter.

So, is there some way to get a certified equivalency? I did take many computer courses at school and along with certifications and experience should meet the requirements and then some. I just want to make sure my next experience is straightforward and not as painful.

Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:36 pm

I'm not sure how you can be qualified as a computer systems analyst with an economics degree. For that profession you need a 2 year post-secondary diploma or certificate or Bachelor's degree or higher, experience is not relevant at all. If you had computer science, information science, or management information systems courses than that may qualify you. I would really need to look at your transcript. On the other hand, you may be able to do an H-1B based on an evaluation which compares your experience to a Bachelor's degree, though in reality it is very difficult to obtain that equivalency based on experience alone.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

tmex
New Member

Joined: 17 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:33 am

Well I did computer courses in University. Guess I need to did out transcript.

What I am asking community is there some equivalency test/course I can take so I do not have to deal with the issue again. With my degree and experience I should be able to meet the requirements of a two year certificate.

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 964
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 7:17 am

They're pretty picky when it comes to the TN visas and having degrees with job titles that match. Unless the employer can sponsor you for another type of visa, there's probably not much else you can do.

Check with some Canadian universities to find out if any of their degree programmes can include work experience for credit, and then find out how long it would take to get a degree in Computer Sciences or equivalent.
_________________
I miss Shreddies!

Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 10:55 am

"What I am asking community is there some equivalency test/course I can take so I do not have to deal with the issue again. With my degree and experience I should be able to meet the requirements of a two year certificate."

"Check with some Canadian universities to find out if any of their degree programmes can include work experience for credit, and then find out how long it would take to get a degree in Computer Sciences or equivalent."

In response to the above:

You can't combine experience and education to meet TN qualification based on a degree requirement.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

Reba
Moderator

Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 964
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 5:28 am

That's not what I was suggesting.

I was suggesting that perhaps a University would consider work experience as partial credit toward a degree, and then the OP could finish a degree programme, and obtain a degree to be eligible for a TN.
_________________
I miss Shreddies!

Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.